Treachery in the Senate! The Shinobi

Council suspects that Senator Jordan the

Echidna is secretly taking part in a

Separatist conspiracy. But to find

out what the Senator from Cool Edge

is up to, the Council will need a spy

of its own. Meanwhile, Shinobi Knight Shadow

the Hedgehog has been away from

Mobotropolis on a lengthy tour of duty

leading the clone army. Now Shadow

returns for a long-awaited reunion

with his wife, Tikal the Echidna…

Shadow enters Tikal's apartment carrying a round box. Orbot greets him "Master Shadow, what a delight to see you. I should-" "Shadow". Tikal appeared from the balcony "That will be all, Orbot" "Are you sure, Milady?" "Yes, Orbot. Now go". Orbot nodded "Very well" he left the room. Shadow smiled right before Tikal hugged him "I brought us dinner" he showed the box. Tikal was surprised "How did you manage this?" "I had to hitch a ride on a cargo freighter" "What happened to your military transport". Shadow shrugged "Uh, it kind of blew up" he walked over to the couch "Anyway, the freighter captain was bringing a shipment to a restaurant here and he gave me something to bring home. We just have to-". He turned to Tikal and realized she was smiling "What?" "You called this home" "What else would I call it?" he kissed her before leading her to the couch. "The Albion ambassador gave me something. I think I still have it here somewhere" "Something good?" Shadow asked as he sat down. Tikal looked excited "It is. It'll be perfect. Five-Blossom bread. My specialty" "You have specialty?" "I know how to make lots of things. When I was a little, I cooked things every day. I've been saving it for a special occasion". She sat next to Shadow and hugged into him. He smiled "Being alone with you. I can't think of anything more special".

The Shinobi Council were in a meeting and Blaze made a statement "There is suspicion that Excessive Corp is involved with the Separatist. We must discover the truth in this matter". Espio nodded "I couldn't agree more, Master Blaze. But if Senator Tikal has already refused to spy on Senator Jordan, I'm not sure how we can change her mind" "That is why we ask you to summon young Shadow" Merlin said. Espio didn't look confident "I've been signalling him all night. I don't know where he could be".

Shadow and Tikal were looking out to the city "I wish it could always be like this" "Me to". The two were about to kiss but Shadow's commlink activated "Uh. I have to report to the Shinobi Council" "Right now?" "Actually a few hours ago. If I keep delaying Espio will send out a clone squad to find me. I've been ducking signals all night". Tikal sighed and looked away from him "I understand" "I know your angry" "Don't think you can read my mind". Shadow sighed "I'm sorry. But duty comes first" he kissed her before leaving. She sighed and stared out to the city on her own.

Espio, Blaze and Merlin were in the war room when Shadow ran in "Sorry I'm late. What's going on?" he stood at the holo-unit. "We believe Senator Jordon is conspiring with the Separatists. We need to find out what he's up to" Merlin answered. Shadow thought he understood "Do you want me to interrogate him, Master?". Blaze shook her head "No. We shall not treat Senator Jordon as a criminal" "The slightest misstep could cause an incident" Espio added. Merlin nodded "We need someone who is not a Shinobi to get close to him. Someone he won't suspect" "If not a Shinobi, then who?" Shadow asked.

Blaze looked to him "We have selected Senator Tikal" "You want her to be a spy? Wouldn't someone with more experience be better" Shadow said trying to sound only partly interested. "We chose Senator Tikal because she and Jordan entered the Senate in the same year. They've served on the same committee. They were… good friends" Merlin answered. Shadow couldn't hide his surprise which made him have to think quickly "I wouldn't think Senator Tikal would have a friend in Excessive Corp" "We've already asked her to spy on Jordan for us, but she refused" Merlin said. Blaze nodded "She trusts you, Shadow. That is why you must convince her". Shadow reluctantly bowed his head "Yes, Master".

Tikal was just walking out of a Senate meeting when Shadow started walking next to her "Senator Tikal" "General Shadow" she said coldly. Shadow slightly leaned in "Are you still mad about last night?" "I'm not mad with you". Shadow nervously scratched the back of his head "Okay. So, um, I need to know about your dealings with Senator Jordan". Tikal glanced at him immediately understanding what he was here for "I've already told Master Blaze. I will not spy on a colleague and an old friend" "Old friend? Is that all?" What does that matter? That was before we were together". Shadow guided her to an alcove in the hall "I'm just trying to get a sense of who this guy is. I'll need to brief whoever does end up spying on him". Tikal raised her eyebrows "Oh, I thought you were here to talk me into becoming an agent for the Jedi" "That's not a job for you. I don't agree with the Council on this. If Jordan is involved in a Separatist conspiracy, the last place you should be is anywhere near him".

Tikal's eyes opened wide with surprise "Jordon is conspiring with the Separatists. Blaze didn't tell me that. I can't believe Jordon would do something like this. Someone has to find out the truth" she looked saddened by the information. Shadow crossed his arms "Someone other than you. It's too dangerous". Tikal stared at him in disbelief "I've been in many tough situations before. It never seemed to bother you. I never stopped you from facing danger. You're constantly getting shot at..." "I've been trained for that" "Oh, so you're saying I can't handle the mission?". Shadow sighed "I didn't-" "That's not your decision to make". Shadow shrugged "Well, you've already refused the mission" "Actually, I've changed my mind. You've convinced me how vital the mission is. I accept". She walked away from him, Shadow stayed in the alcove looking guilty "Very well, Senator". As Tikal was walking their conversation replayed in her head and she realized what Shadow just did. She stopped, sighed and gave a slight chuckled "That sneaky…" she said both annoyed and amused.

Tikal was in the Council room speaking to Merlin, Blaze and Espio with Shadow standing behind her listening "First, I'll need to get back in touch with him. Jordan and I haven't spoken in a long time" "May we ask what the nature of your relationship with Jordan?" Merlin asked. "At one point, Jordan and I were close. It was my choice to return things to a strictly professional level. Jordan didn't take it well". Shadow has just realized that maybe he shouldn't have talked her into this. "Do you think you'll be able to rekindle your friendship with him?" Merlin asked. Tikal nodded "I know I can regain his trust" "Good. The closer you can get to him, the better" Espio said, "I will do whatever it takes". As she left the room Shadow turned to the others "I will protect her with my life, Masters".

Tikal was now at a restaurant sitting opposite a red echidna wearing a blue shirt "It's been good seeing you again, Jordan. I've been very lonely these last few weeks" "It's good seeing you to but I'm afraid I won't be here long. I'm going to Eurish". Tikal acted as if she was mildly interested "Oh, you're taking a pleasure trip?". Jordan smirked "Hardly. Those Eggman grunts love to borrow money from Excessive Corp but they hate paying it back. You know how they are. So, I have to go there an put the fear of the corporation into them" he said half joking. Tikal chuckled "Maybe you say something on my behalf. I'm on the holo-net everyday with the Eggman Empire asking for trade concessions but they never seem to get anywhere". Jordan smiled "You could come with me and speak to them in person. I have leverage. You have diplomatic contacts. We could help each other" "It's that the only reason?". His face dropped slightly "I have missed you". Tikal smiled warmly "I'd be happy to go with you. It'd be just like old times".

Tikal, Jordan, and an irritated Shadow who was disguised as a pilot were walking towards a cruiser. They entered the main seating area of the cruiser "If you get tired you can rest your head on my shoulder" Jordan said. He and Tikal sat next to each other and lowered their restraints. As they did Shadow casually waved his hand and Jordan's harness suddenly stopped and they could hear a metallic clank. Shadow tried to hide his smirk "I'm sorry, Senator. That one appears to have broken". Tikal glared at him as he entered the cockpit where Remington was waiting "We're ready for take-off, Captain". Shadow sat in the chair next to him "All I have to do is fly the ship" he said irritated. He took off and saw footage from the seating area. Jordon was still sitting in the broken seat looking like he was about to kiss Tikal. Shadow quickly turned the ship left throwing Jordon back. Shadow smirked and glanced at Remington "Sorry, hand slipped".

The cruiser arrived at Eurish and landed at the platform of a palace. The group exited including Orbot while Shadow and Emerl stayed on the ship. They were greeted by Mordred "Senator Amidala. An unexpected privilege" "Senator Hood, please forgive me for arriving unannounced". Mordred shook his head "Oh, no. Always a pleasure to see you, my dear. I hope you and I can make a fresh start" "I came here with the very same hope. I believe in second chances" she glanced at Jordan. Mordred nodded "So do I, Senator, so do I". They entered the main hall of the palace "My servants will show you to your room. Jordan and I have some business to discuss". Tikal and Orbot followed the servants while Mordred and Jordon entered a small room where a holo-unit projected an image of a Waspnosian looking structure "This investment by Excessive Corp will create unimaginable new war profits. The largest badnik factory ever built" Jordan said. Mordred crossed his arms and didn't look pleased "As long as the Republic doesn't find out. You should never have brought a member of the Senate here!".

Tikal was in her room staring out of the window when she smirked "Orbot, after that long trip I think I need a walk" she walked past him "That could prove interesting" Orbot said sounding concerned.

Vesper entered the room "For all the risks we're taking, we should be getting a greater share of the profits" "I agree" Mordred said. Jordan glared at them both coldly "Are you suggesting that we change the terms of our agreement. No. A deal is a deal. I'd hate for something to happen to you". Mordred didn't change expression "You forget yourself, Jordan. You cannot threaten me on my own planet" "This is hardly your planet anymore". He was about to say something else, but he heard footsteps and he quickly turned off the hologram as Vesper got out of sight. He turned and saw Tikal coming down the stairs "Tikal, what're you doing here?" "Oh, I'm sorry to intrude. I was lonely and I came looking for you". Jordon walked forward and took her hand "I'm sorry" he looked back to Mordred "We'll see you at dinner". They both walked away, and Vesper stepped out "I don't like this" "How do you think I feel. I hate the thought of answering to Jordan". Mordred then started to grin "But perhaps we won't have to now that we know his weakness" he said sinisterly.

Shadow was working on one of the ship's engines when Emerl came up to him with a ration bar "No thanks, buddy. I'm not hungry. As soon as Senator Tikal finds something she's gonna signal me to come inside".

Later Jordan was at the bottom of the stairs when he saw Tikal walking down in a green dress. He smiled at her when Mordred appeared with a glass "Senator, as my honoured guest, please share this drink with me" he took a drink "A toast to our new friendship" he then handed it to her. Tikal nodded "Of course" she took a drink from the glass herself before Mordred led them to the dining room.

The dinner had gone well, everybody stood up to leave but Tikal suddenly felt faint. She leaned against the table when Jordan went over to her "Are you feeling alright". Tikal put her hand on her head "I'm fine. I think I just stood up to fast". Orbot stepped forward "It has been a long day". Jordan nodded "Maybe you should rest". Tikal shook her head "No. I'm fine I just need some fresh air. Maybe you could give me a tour of the palace". Jordon was surprised but smiled "Of course. It's truly worth seeing". Tikal looked to Orbot "Orbot, you're dismissed for the night" "Are you sure, Milady" "Yes, I'm sure".

Orbot entered the guest quarters looking slightly insulted "Well, really! My services not required for the rest of the evening" "Why isn't Tikal with you?". Orbot then realized Shadow was there "She is with Senator Jordan. She asked for a private tour of the palace". Shadow clearly didn't llike this "And you let her go off with him?" "I did try to warn her".

Tikal and Jordan entered the library "I'm waiting for my business venture to start. I'm doing some private investing with guaranteed return". Tikal suddenly clutched her head which Jordan noticed "Are you sure you're alright?" "Uh, actually do you mind getting me a drink. My head's pounding". Jordan felt her forehead "You're burning up. I'll be right back". He left the room and Tikal quickly went over to the holo-unit "Display hologram" "Passcode required". Tikal tried to think but the pain in her head was making it hard to focus "Uh, Cold Edge". The password was denied "Excessive Corp" denied "Senator Jordan" denied "Jordan the Echidna" denied "Echidna" denied. Tikal though for a moment before looking down at the unit suspiciously "Tikal". The unit activated and projected a hologram of a badnik foundry on Waspnosia. Tikal sighed "Jordan" she said regretfully. She knew the Shinobi Council had to see this and she quickly activated her commlink. She took out the memory chip and then heard footsteps. She turned off the unit and quickly stepped back out before Jordan entered with a glass of water.

She held the chip behind her back and took the glass with her other hand. She gulped the water down but that didn't seem to help her "Thank you". Jordan noticed that she was looking nervous "Is something wrong?" he asked concerned. Tikal's mind raced trying to think of something when she suddenly hugged him "You're so good to me, Jordan. I don't deserve your kindness". Jordan had a look of surprise on his face "It's nice to hear you say that". Tikal then saw Shadow at the door of the room glaring at the two of them. She showed him the chip in her hand "I've been waiting for this moment all night". She dropped the chip and Shadow caught it with the Force and silently pulled it towards him before leaving. "I… I didn't know you still…" Jordan said in surprise. Tikal could barely stay awake now "I would… have said something… earlier but...". She fell back but Jordon caught her "Tikal, what's wrong?".

Shadow ran out to the platform and handed the chip to Emerl "Take good care of this". Emerl beeped "Thanks, buddy. Get the ship ready for take-off. If I'm not back in ten minutes, then leave without us. No matter what happens the Council needs to see what's on that chip".

Jordan was now talking to Mordred "I know the symptoms. It's poison. She could die" "Get a hold of yourself, Senator. She's a Republic spy". Jordan took a step back "What. No. She wouldn't…". He ran back to the library and checked the holo-unit and saw that the data chip was missing "No". He entered Tikal's quarters where she was lying on her bed looking exhausted with a medical robot examining her "Leave us". He had a look betrayal on his face "The data chip is gone. Was it you?" he asked bluntly. She didn't say anything "I trusted you. How could you?" "I did it for the Republic. I didn't want to believe you were involved with the Separatists. But you're a traitor". Jordan started to look scared "Where is the chip" "It's on it's way to the Senate. Your scheme is finished!" she fell back unconscious.

Before Jordan could say anything, he was suddenly grabbed from behind and pinned against the wall "What did you do to her!?" Shadow asked through gritted teeth. Jordan struggled at first but then saw how bad Tikal looked "It wasn't me. Mordred poisoned her. She's… She's dying". Shadow could sense he was telling the truth and released him before going over to Tikal "I'll take her to the doctors on Mobotropolis" "There's not enough time for that". Shadow stood up and listened to him "She's stolen something very valuable to me. Return it and I'll get the antidote" "I'd prefer to talk to Mordred in person". Jordon looked frightened at the idea "No. He can't know about it. He'll kill me". Shadow crossed his arms and had a blank expression "I'm not giving you the data" if he couldn't read Jordan's emotions so well, he wouldn't have made that bluff. Jordon looked like he was going to argue but then took one look at Tikal and sighed "Follow me".

Shadow picked Tikal up and he along with Orbot followed Jordon out of the room. He led them to the main hall and saw Mordred at the bottom of the steps "What is going on, Jordon?". Jordon walked down "I'm sorry, Hood. Senator Tikal is very ill. We're taking her to her ship" "If she is ill, she shouldn't be moved" "I've contacted the authorities on Albion. They thought it'd best to take her back to Mobotropolis". Mordred looked angry "You cannot leave". Jordon took out a pistol "Give me the antidote or you're dead". Mordred glared at him "You'll pay for this" he slowly reached into his pocket and took out a syringe which he handed to Orbot. "Thank you, Senator. Go" he told Shadow who nodded and quickly went to the exit with Orbot. Jordon quickly followed and saw them getting on the ship. He looked pessimistic "I don't suppose you've changed your mind on the data chip?". Shadow turned to him as the bay doors started to close "Sorry, duty comes first. Besides, I have faith in your survival skills" Shadow seemed to enjoy that too much. As the ship took off Shadow went to the cockpit and placed Tikal on one of the seats "Orbot, give me the medicine". Orbot did so and Shadow quickly injected it into her arm as Remington piloted the ship out of the atmosphere. Tikal started to wake up and saw where she was "Did we make it?" she asked weakly. Shadow smirked "Yeah. And we have the data. Your mission was a success". Tikal gave a weak smile "Did you ever doubt me?" "Never".

Jordon watched the ship leave when "Jordan, we need to talk" he turned around and saw Mordred with Vesper and a line of armed Egg Pawns.